US lawmakers stand with Phl vs Chinese sea aggression

 
"We share your concern about China's aggression with regard to many issues around the Philippines. We stand with you and we want to continue to stand by you, and with you, and to push that aggression back appropriately," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who led the US congressional delegation, told Marcos during their courtesy call.
The Philippines strongly protested the latest attempt on March 23 by China coast guard and maritime militia to stop a rotation and resupply mission for troops on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal using water cannons.
The US congressional delegation arrived yesterday to discuss Philippines relations, as well as "promotion of regional peace and security through enhanced defense and security cooperation and economic cooperation," among others, with the President, Malacañang said in a statement.
Marcos cited the importance of the US lawmakers' two-day visit, noting that they're "coming in the middle of your rather topsy-turvy political cycle."
"I hope that the time that you will spend here can be a productive time where we are able to discuss further the situation concerning the Philippines and the geopolitical complications that we are facing presently," the President said.
The other US lawmakers present at the meeting were Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Roger Marshall, Mark Kelly, Cynthia Lummis and Michael Bennet and Rep. Adriano Espaillat.
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson accompanied the lawmakers.
Philippine officials present at the meeting were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil.
Gillibrand said the US Congress is "filled with optimism and hope" for the future of the US-Philippines relations.
"And we are so grateful for our years of friendship. We're grateful for the steadfast partnership we had economically. We're grateful to have you as an ally," she said.
"Each of those roles is essential for the United States and we hope to continue to play those roles," the US senator said.
"We do believe that we're in a moment of extraordinary opportunity, especially for economic ties, to build upon existing strengths. Whether they are in the fields of energy, or in the fields of rar...